I have always loved 70’s Cher. -tM

Whatever happened to style? Whatever happened to the imagination that helped create an image to express who you are uniquely as an individual?

The more I look around, the less I am inspired. Teenagers, the ones that should be exploring who they are through fashion all look the same. There is a uniform for each age group it seems. I long for the days when subcultures, sprung out of the music they listened to, influenced their attitude and their style. Everything is so generic these days, creativity on all levels seems to have left the building.

The 80’s were a time of creativity and exploration. We have lost that somewhere along the way as Corporations and Fast Fashion take over and we march to the beat of another type of drum.

But then again, perhaps it is me, just getting older and longing for a time where my youth felt incredibly important and influential.

I have never been one for exposing the midriff, nor have I ever been a fan of shorts, but this is an exception.

This is what happens when you have found your own style groove. I would have never thought of putting these garments together in such a way, but then again, it’s just not me. However if I did do midriff baring shirts and shorts, I would absolutely follow suit. -tM

Do you layer? And if so, how?

I have never been a fan of layering. It has always felt cumbersome, awkward, and uncomfortable, so much so that a crisp white shirt under a blazer drives me crazy because it never sits right with movement as the blazer tugs at this end or at that. The most I can do is a t-shirt under a sweater. Tights under pants, bleh, my waist feels suffocated. This is why I don’t wear skirts in the winter, the extra band around the waist leaves me feeling strangled at the midriff.

It has always just felt so heavy to me. Layering has always hindered my freedom of movement. Coats, hats, and scarves aside, it has never felt natural to me.

Perhaps I am not doing it right. I don’t know. Any tips? -tM

What article of clothing are you willing to wear like a second skin if any?

Like everything in life, it is all about balance isn’t it? If you wear one article that is tight, then then other must be a little forgiving, at least that’s how it goes in my mathematical fashion equation.

Leather pants, or denim are my tight squeeze preference, much to my mothers disappointment, as she believes that I am getting to old for such fashion exploits.

I understand her perspective but I think that everything can be made to work with the right amount of give and take when it comes to the tightness of squeeze.

Where do you draw that line? And does the age factor play into those decisions? -tM

I really miss the attention to detail that people would give to their wardrobes/style. I long for the days where personal grooming was equal to dignity and self-respect, when society judged you just a little more based on your appearance. Yes, you heard me, sometimes I think judgement is okay, and sometimes I feel like fear of judgement keeps us on our toes and looking just that little bit better.

You see, beauty and creativity have always been a driving force in my life, I feel inspired when I see someone dress uniquely to suit who they are, it’s personality, it’s swagger. However, for the past several years I have been getting lost in a sea of Parka’s, Canada Goose jackets, flip flops, leggings, chino’s, and wrinkled t-shirts while taking the mass transit. I no longer see anything close to inspiring.

When did it become so alright not to give a shit? When did it become okay, to wear track pants to work, and flip flops to the office? Everyone looks the same. Is this the result of people losing a sense of who they are? Are we finally devoid of personality? Has the i-phone zapped our identities? Where has that beauty of self-expression gone? How did we get here, and why is this okay? -tM

Scenes from behind the curtain. In celebration of Fashion Month really in Europe, here are a few stand out photo’s from various shows all captured by photographer Emon Toufanian. One thing is for certain, wherever you go, or whatever you do, DO NOT leave home without your accessories. The devil still remains in the punk rock of details. Which is your favourite? -tM

So this is how I have been wearing my hair for the past year and a half. I took the risk of cutting my bangs again, and wearing a mid length curly shag. Oh so retro you say? Well yes, and back to the past and into the present/future I have gone.

You see, this was one of my childhood haircuts. It suited me then, and it suits me now. There are a few things that need to be revisited from childhood as you age: passions, hair colour (you childhood colour will always suit you best, especially when needing to cover greys), and in my opinion haircuts. Of course you may have a variation on that said “do”, and I think the trick is to learn how to style it as an adult, but in general those youthful cuts of our past can make us look even more youthful today. Call it nostalgia, or just plain lack or creativity, all I know is that it is working for me.

How about you, what childhood style/accessories have you recently revisited? -tM

What are your finishing touches before leaving the house for either a day of work or an evening out?

I have four: 1. Hair needs to be coiffed; 2. Some Lipstick or lip balm, depending on whether I have made up my eyes; 3. Earrings/Necklace never both at the same time, unless I am wearing small studs; 4. Rings, always my rings which I tend to have on rotation depending on the outfit.

These are my feeling ready necessities. However, it is interesting that most revolve around my face. I guess you could say that “giving good face” is important to me. Now tell me some of your essential beauty requisites. -tM

in keeping with NY Fashion week and its runway inspiration, this feels so right about now. Although I think I have officially traded in any style or elegance for the necessary survival gear. The only creativity applied to my attire lately is how to layer in order to keep warm. The struggle is real folks. First world problems, 2019. -tM

One of the thrills, for me, when it comes to shoes, is that they elevate my spirit so much that I feel weightless.

Like a feather I float along, feeling the psychological power brought on by my shoe selection. There is a reason those ruby red slippers had the power to take Dorothy home.

Don’t EVER underestimate the investment in a good pair of shoes. They will give back to you in ways you had never expected. So if you have to scrimp and save for that pair that you have been dreaming about, please do, because they will be well worth there weight/wait in gold. -tM

I have always loved Bottega Veneta, from bags to clothes, however, I find this years, S/S 2019 campaign particularly inspiring. The creative team does such a great job at highlighting both the strength, femininity, and duality of the woman the brand itself designs for.

It is art in motion; fresh, casual, honest, and incredibly sexy. -tM

p.s. can we also take a moment in adoration to appreciate that python directors chair. Also, the choice in chair and its staging has not been lost on me. Again, brilliant campaign.

So here it is, the first production of my designs. Étant. Inspired by movement, simplicity, and versatility. My pieces encapsulate the vital force of being. They were designed to be lived in, encouraging one to "just be." It's a state of mind really, but then again, isn't it always. -tM

The Italians have a definite flair for fashion. I love how playful yet always elegant their approach to fashion can be. My favourite by far is the gentleman with the suit and the crochet shall, what a fantastic combination. Bravissimo! -tM